Spring-controlled support arm for a desk top

Abstract

A desk having a desk top that is movable with respect to a storage compartment under application of an external force through an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position. A support member is provided to support the desk top as it moves through these positions. In particular, the support member is adapted so that upon the removal of the external force if the desk top is positioned between the intermediate and closed positions, the desk top will slowly move to its closed position.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A desk comprising a desk top that is movable with respect to a storage compartment under application of an external force through an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position; a support member having a spring which exerts an upward force on said desk top throughout the range of movement thereof, said support member adapted to support said desk top so that upon removal of said external force if said desk top is positioned between said intermediate and said closed positions, said desk top will slowly move to said closed position and if said desk top is positioned between said open position and said intermediate position, said desk top will remain stationary or return to said open position. 
     
     
       2. The desk of claim 1, wherein said support member further comprises a retainer being slidable along a guide arm and movably fastened to said desk top. 
     
     
       3. The desk of claim 2, wherein said guide arm comprises a first end, a medial portion and a second end, said first end being movably fastened to said storage compartment, said retainer being slidable along said medial portion of said guide arm and said spring disposed between said retainer and said first end of said guide arm. 
     
     
       4. The desk of claim 3, wherein said retainer comprises an opening adapted to slidably receive said medial portion of said guide arm. 
     
     
       5. The desk of claim 4, wherein said retainer is connected to said desk by a bracket. 
     
     
       6. The desk of claim 5, wherein said retainer is rotatably mounted within said bracket. 
     
     
       7. The desk of claim 5, wherein said bracket comprises a pair of flanges extending from said desk top, each of said flanges having an opening therein. 
     
     
       8. The desk of claim 7, wherein said retainer comprises a pair of protrusion adapted to be rotatably fastened with said openings of said bracket. 
     
     
       9. The desk of claim 4, wherein said opening of said retainer is circular. 
     
     
       10. The desk of claim 3, wherein said guide arm is a cylindrical rod. 
     
     
       11. The desk of claim 3, wherein said spring is a helical spring. 
     
     
       12. The desk of claim 3, wherein said retainer is of unitary construction.